Trailer Backup Assist System Jackknife Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer is challenging, especially for unskilled drivers, due to the need for opposite steering inputs and amplified steering errors, and the risk of jackknife conditions, which existing trailer backup assist systems fail to address effectively, particularly when assuming a zero curvature path and requiring complex human-machine interfaces and costly navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A trailer backup assist system that monitors the hitch angle and trailer connection using camera-based detection, allowing drivers to input desired path curvature through a user-friendly interface, such as a rotary knob, and automatically controls the vehicle's steering to maintain the specified path while preventing jackknife conditions by integrating with the power steering and brake systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trailer backup assist system assumes a zero curvature path, then the system can operate with simpler control logic, but the system fails to address real-world curved path scenarios significantly limiting usefulness
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the path curvature assumption based on detected jackknife conditions. When a jackknife condition is detected, the system transitions from assuming zero curvature to accommodating curved paths, allowing the control logic to remain simple under normal conditions while becoming adaptable when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the path curvature parameter from a fixed zero assumption to a variable that can accommodate curved paths when jackknife conditions are detected. This parameter change allows the system to maintain simplicity during normal operation while gaining versatility when safety issues arise.
2Measurement precision
If complex human-machine interface devices are used to specify path, obstacles and goal, then the system can provide precise path control, but the system becomes relatively complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's existing backup camera and display infrastructure to provide path specification capabilities. The driver can specify paths using the existing touchscreen or controls already present in the vehicle, eliminating the need for dedicated complex HMI devices while maintaining precision through the use of available sensors and display systems.
3Measurement precision
If high precision GPS and inertial navigation systems are used to determine desired path following and stopping points, then the system can achieve accurate positioning, but the system becomes relatively complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's existing backup camera system for multiple purposes: both for providing visual feedback to the driver and for detecting jackknife conditions. This multi-functional use of existing infrastructure eliminates the need for separate high-precision navigation systems while maintaining the capability to detect and respond to safety issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing camera and display infrastructure as an intermediary to provide positioning and path following capabilities. Rather than directly implementing high-precision GPS and inertial navigation, the system leverages the intermediate visual feedback system already present in the vehicle to achieve accurate positioning and control.
4Productivity
If the system does not detect and counteract jackknife conditions with high vehicle speed and longitudinal acceleration, then the system can operate without additional safety interventions, but the relative movement of vehicle with respect to trailer can lead to contact and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting jackknife conditions and automatically counteracting them before they can lead to vehicle-trailer contact and damage. When a jackknife condition is detected, the system preemptively adjusts steering or applies braking to prevent the harmful outcome, maintaining backup efficiency while eliminating damage risk.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle trailer backup assist system and method includes a hitch angle detection apparatus and a target monitor controller. The target monitor controller processes images acquired of the trailer towed by a towing vehicle to assist with placement of a target on the trailer. The target monitor controller also monitors the target and provides feedback to the user as to proper positioning of the target on the trailer. A target move detection routine detects movement of a target by processing the pixels of the image to determine if a new trailer has been connected. Further, a trailer connection monitoring routine monitors for a changed trailer based on loss of the hitch angle or target for a predetermined time period.